Rare indeed is the artist with the virtuosity to draw the unqualified respect of some of the most iconic legends in jazz and the ability to deliver a high-energy funk rock show capable of mesmerizing international rock stars. A virtuoso prodigy trombonist, brilliant trumpet player, and soulful, charismatic singer, Trombone Shorty commands the stage while emanating an elegance and class gleaned from his successful studies at the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts.

Backatown, the band’s major label debut, immediately hit #1 on Billboard’s
Contemporary Jazz chart, staying there for 9 weeks and now, over 9 months
later, is still in the Top 5. Backatown was also nominated for this year’s
GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.

“Backatown” is a local term for an area of New Orleans that includes the
historic Treme neighborhood – or 6th Ward – from which Trombone Shorty
hails. Home to Congo Square, birthplace of Louis Armstrong, it has been
called “the most musical neighborhood in America’s most musical city.”

What makes this record such a kick in the head is that the band, working
with producer Ben Ellman of Galactic, has managed to bottle the 200-proof
intensity of their devastating live performances, which have earned Trombone
Shorty & Orleans Avenue a rabid and ever-growing following almost entirely
by way of word of mouth. Like their shows – which have been known to run for
hours at an energy level that few others could sustain – the album turns on
a rare combination of virtuosity and high-energy, party-down intensity.

Shorty has attracted many such legends to his high-profile fanbase, and the
diverse and notable names he has performed and soloed with include Lenny
Kravitz on his world tour in 2005, Diana Krall at Madison Square Garden in
2005, U2 and Green Day in 2006 to reopen the Superdome after Hurricane
Katrina, Norah Jones at Jazzfest 2007, and chart-topping rapper Juvenile at
VoodooFest 2008.

Tickets are on sale now for $50 (VIP seating), $30 (main lower), and $25
(main upper/mezzanine) and available by phone at 614-469-0939 and through
all Ticketmaster outlets. Showtime is 7:30 PM. Call 614-294-5200 or visitwww.jazzartsgroup.org